Think that Zurich is all about finance and banking? Think again! This Swiss city is vibrant and charming, seamlessly blending nature and urban living. Visiting Zurich in summer is a must since that is the season when the city truly comes alive!
I have lived in Zurich for the past four years, and pride myself on knowing all the best spots, cool hangouts, and ways to experience the city like a true local. I think that each season here has its own magic, but it is summer in Zurich that makes me fall in love with this city all over again each year!
The terraces are always full of people enjoying apero (Swiss term for after-work drinks and nibbles), the crystal clear lake waters invite you in for a swim, and diverse open-air events take over the city. With so much to do, it’s the perfect time to visit! In this guide, I’ll skip the usual tourist attractions and instead share some of the best things to do in Zurich in summer if you want to experience the city like a local yourself!
Have You Visited Zurich?
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Some Practical Information about Zurich in Summer
Before I start my recommendations, let’s cover some of the basics for your trip to Zurich. I hope this will help you with your planning and preparations!
When is Summer in Zurich?
Summer in Zurich is typically classified as the months of June through August. It’s during these months that the temperatures are at their highest, and many events take place. If you are also considering visiting the Swiss mountains in the same trip as your Zurich visit, it’s worth noting that summer time can take longer to reach higher elevation areas! It’s not uncommon that there is still snow in the mountains in June, for example.
Typical Summer Weather in Zurich
The weather in Zurich during June, July, and August is usually warm, dry, and sunny, but with the occasional shower or thunderstorm. The temperatures range from the low 50s to the mid 70s in Fahrenheit (the mid teens to to the mid 20s in Celsius). Of course, like all European cities, the weather can be unpredictable, even during the summer months! Therefore, it pays to be prepared for any eventuality on your trip to Zurich in summer. I recommend bringing a raincoat, umbrella, plenty of sun cream, and some light layers.
Where to Stay in Zurich
Although Zurich is a small city, it still has a diverse range of neighborhoods that you can stay in. Which area is right for your visit totally depends on your preferences. Want to be within walking distance of the lake? Then the Seefeld district is a good choice. Prefer to be next to trendy outdoor bars and arts centers? Then you will want to stay in the Industry Quarter. You may want to check out my neighborhood guide to Zurich for a full overview!
Exploring the Outdoors
Since Zurich is situated on a lake and two rivers, and is surrounded by forests and hills, it seamlessly combines a bustling urban scene with outdoor recreation. With the warm temperatures and lush green vegetation, Zurich in summer is actually the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors in the city.
Wild Swimming in Lakes and Rivers
A hot summer day in the city provides the perfect opportunity for some wild swimming in Lake Zurich or the Limmat and Sihl rivers. The waters here are crystal clear and refreshing, so it’s the local’s favorite way to cool down! There are various spots where you can swim in Zurich, and they come in two forms: public park with lake/river access (free) or a “Badi,” which is a paid swimming area (always costs 8CHF).
Here are some of my favorite swimming areas:
- Best Free Spot. Zurichhorn: this leafy park by the lake has a bustling atmosphere during summer and plenty of food options nearby.
- Best Chill-Out Spot. Badi Enge: this swimming area is made up of floating wooden decks on the lake, with a shallow pool as well as direct lake access. It is perfect for sunbathing and also serves amazing lunch, brunch and coffee.
- Best Family-Friendly Spot. Mythenquai: this badi provides a long sandy beach area on the lake shore, as well as a grassy park and shallow swimming areas for kids.
- Best Spot on the River. Flussbad Höngg: this bathing spot is located on an island where the Limmat river splits. It’s a little further out of the city, making it a more relaxed, local atmosphere.
Picnic and BBQ Spots
Do you want to experience a summer day in Zurich like the locals do? Then grilling your food somewhere outdoors is how to do it! The Swiss love BBQs and there are free public ones you can use all over Switzerland!
My top recommendation for a BBQ is to head to the Uetliberg. This is Zurich’s own mini-mountain, easily reached via a 20-minute train ride from the city. Here, you will find incredible views of Zurich, stunning hiking trails through the forest, and, of course, a fabulous free BBQ area.
If you don’t fancy lighting a fire and grilling your own food, then a picnic will also do nicely. There are many stunning, scenic spots all around the city to enjoy some food with a view. Some favorites of mine are the benches on the sunny lake promenade, the viewpoint at Lindenhof, and the idyllic Old Botanical Garden.
For either a picnic or BBQ, you can easily pick up all the food supplies you need from the local supermarkets, Migros and Coop.
Food and Drink
If you’re anything like me, then you’ll believe that one of the best ways to experience a new city is through its food! Zurich has a pretty good food scene all year round, but I really think it comes into its own during the warmer months. That means that experiencing it is definitely one of the best things to do in Zurich in summer.
Food Festivals
Is there anything better than having a vast variety of different cuisines at your fingertips, combined with music, the sun shining and a lively atmosphere? I feel like Zurich does food events really well, and it hosts a few different ones during the summer months. The most popular ones are the huge outdoor Street Food Festival, Food Zurich which takes place in the heart of the city, and Zurich Vegan Festival, which is held in the main station.
These events tend to change their dates and locations each year so it’s worth checking their website for the most up-to-date information.
Outdoor Bars and Restaurants
Zurich has plenty of outdoor spots for food and drink, which end up full to the brim during the summer! Must-visits are the sister establishments of Frau Gerolds Garten and Micas Garten. Both of these are trendy urban gardens that serve drinks and a variety of street food. For spots with terraces right by the lake I recommend both Lake Side and Fischerstube – the perfect spots for watching the sunset by the water!
Ice Cream
Is there any better pairing than a hot summer day and a delicious gelato?! If you walk through the city or along the lake shores in Zurich during the warmer months, you are bound to see A LOT of ice cream stands. However, most of these are just selling generic Movenpick ice cream, which is nice enough, but also readily available in supermarkets. If you want something really special then head to either Gelati am See or to Gelateria di Berna.
Open Air Events and Festivals
Without a doubt, if you are a local, one of the favored things to do in Zurich in summer is just to BE outdoors with friends and strangers alike, enjoying something all together. If you want to experience this too, then definitely check to see if these events are on during your visit to Zurich.
Outdoor Cinemas and Screenings
One of my absolute favorite events in Zurich in the summer is the “Opera for All” and the “Cinema for All.” These take place on a weekend in June in the expansive square outside of the ornate Opera House. A huge screen is put up in the square and on a Friday evening they show two films, while on Saturday it is a live screening of either an Opera or Ballet from the Opera House. It’s completely free, and thousands of people turn up with their picnic blankets, deck chairs, food, and drink to enjoy the evening together.
If your trip doesn’t coincide with this event, then don’t fear! There are a few different outdoor cinemas in Zurich that you can book tickets for throughout the summer months. The most popular are Allianz Cinema, which is right next to the lake, and Hofkino, which takes place in the courtyard of the castle-like Landesmuseum.
Music Festivals
A common stereotype of the Swiss is that they are very reserved, but I’ve found from living here that that’s not always the case. They LOVE a party, especially at Apres-Ski in the winter and at the many music festivals held here in the summer! Here are some of the biggest festivals taking place in Zurich during June, July and August:
- Zurich Open Air: A huge music festival with international headliners held over several days in August.
- The Street Parade: the world’s largest techno party takes place in the streets of Zurich in August each year.
- Züri Fäscht: This is a huge three-day festival taking place right in the center of Zurich in July. It only happens every three years though, so the next one should be due to take place in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Zurich is a beautiful and vibrant city to visit at any time of year, but it really does come alive during the summer months. I hope this guide helped you by sharing, not the usual sightseeing spots, but instead how the locals themselves enjoy their city.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
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- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Chloe Smith
Chloe is an outdoor adventure enthusiast and travel lover from York, England, who moved to Zurich, Switzerland in 2020. She is the face behind Travel Teach Read, a blog and Instagram account that documents her adventures in Switzerland and Europe.
